Definition of "zero-sum" [zero-sum]

Of or relating to a situation in which a gain is offset by an equal loss: &quot;. . .under the zero-sum budgeting system that governs federal spending, the money for spinal research is likely to be deducted from some other research account&rdquo; ( Daniel S. Greenburg). (adjective)

"Guy Bechor, a Mideast expert at the Herzliya Interdisciplinary Center, said months of unrest in Syria can be expected as Assad's ruling Alawite minority battles protesters in what he called a "zero-sum game for both sides.""

"Johnson: Unfortunately now, I don't think we have the leadership either in the White House or the Congress to end what I call a zero-sum game mentality towards the U.S. economy."